New Nikon DF retro camera is nice, but not mirrorless!

Nikon will soon announce the new retro styled Nikon DF camera. It’s really an exciting camera that focus on top stills quality and has no video recording feature at all. But unlike the early rumors reported on the web this isn’t a mirrorless camera. It’s F-mount. And once again it’s a statement from Nikon in favour of optical viewfinder and mirror cameras.

And from what I heard recently Neither Canon nor Nikon will go the full mirrorless route like Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung and Sony. They still think DSLR is the way to go also for the future! What if they are wrong?

Image via Nikonrumors.

Leica announces the Silver Edition D-LUX 6

Those of us hoping for something really new from Leica will be disappointed. Today Leica announced a Silver Edition of their current D-LUX 6 camera.

This is the press release (found via LaVidaLeica):

The classic compact Leica Camera reimagined with a high-gloss and silver finish.

Solms, Germany (October 24, 2013) – Leica Camera AG, presents a new design twist on the Leica D-Lux 6 digital compact camera. With an existing version in elegant, matte-black, the camera is now available in a high-gloss, two-color finish. The new high-gloss black camera body paired with the silver-colored lens creates a tasteful contrast that results in a sophisticated, stylish appearance.

The silver lens of the Leica D-Lux 6 is a Leica DC-Vario-Summilux lens. The varied range of focal lengths makes the camera particularly versatile, ideal for everything from wide-angle architectural and landscape photography to photojournalism and portraits. Combined with a powerful 1/1.7” CMOS image sensor, this camera guarantees a high dynamic range and brilliant images that capture life’s greatest moments.

The Leica D-Lux 6 offers a comprehensive range of features, including automatic mode, manual setting options and optional accessories, like an electronic viewfinder with 1.4 million pixels, which provide even greater creative freedom in all areas of photography. Full HD video recording capability is also included in this newest version of the D-Lux 6. The camera records a perfect rendition of fast-moving subjects in outstanding detail. Video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format and can be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion. Crystal-clear sound recording is guaranteed by special wind-noise filter that reduces undesirable noise.

Both versions of the Leica D-Lux 6 are available from Leica dealers. A new addition to the range of accessories for the Leica D-Lux 6 is the Leica Soft Pouch in lambskin nappa leather: black, stylish and with a fascinating wrap-around design, this leather case is a perfect complement to any outfit.

Zeiss Full Frame manual lenses for the new Sony FE system coming by end 2014.

I guess what we are seeing here is the official comeback of the Zeiss ZM alike manual lenses! On Zeiss’ Facebook page they just unveiled that:

We are currently working on manual focus lenses for these new full-frame CSCs. They will have an interface to provide EXIF data to the camera. They are expected to be in stores by the end of 2014. However, we cannot provide any additional infos right now.

The current Sony Zeiss FE lenses are made and designed by Sony with the quality control from Zeiss. The new manual Zeiss manual lenses will be designed straight by the German engineers!

Sounds exciting and also pity. Why let us wait one year? I want them now  :)

 

Specs and Preorders in US and Canada (Click on store name to see direct preorder page):
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto..
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, FR, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, FI, FR, WexUK, WexDE.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE.
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE.